Keith Babbs Email & Phone Number

Greater Boston Area

I’m currently using a variety of genetic and behavioral techniques to gain insights into the genetic underpinnings of addiction, rare genetic disease, and disordered eating. This includes multiple murine surgeries, dosing (PK/PD), and behavioral tasks related to pain sensation, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disease. In this current position, I also implemented new behavioral techniques, oversaw the design, selection, purchase, and installation of equipment, and trained various staff.

Yale University, New Haven, Ct

Conducted studies to determine the interaction between metabolic response to flavored, sugared beverages, and the neural and hedonic responses to these flavors as well as the neural correlates of preference formation. Contributed to a collaborative project to examine the effects of the hormone oxytocin on feeding behavior. In these studies I utilized indirect calorimetry, blood hormone assays, psychophysical testing, human fMRI, and data analysis using SPSS, SPM8, and MATLAB.

New Haven, Ct

Develop and present lecture material. Complete student assessment and advisement.

Investigated the physiology of binge eating in an established rat model, focusing on the effects of the estrogen metabolite, 2-hydroxyestradiol, on dopamine signaling and binge eating using models of animal behavior/training, and common ex vivo lab techniques. This includes: stereotaxic surgery, site-specific and systemic drug administration, in vivo microdialysis (HPLC/UPLC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, operant and feeding behavior testing, and data analysis using SAS. Design and conduct studies, analyze and interpret data, train RAs, and students. Work collaboratively with a wide variety of fields and individuals from different fields.

Investigated the roles of estrogen metabolites in cardioprotection, with focus on vasodilation, blood pressure, arterial structure/response, and mechanistic evaluation of blood pressure response. Cardiometabolic theraputic area and cardiobiology. Includes tissue harvesting, primary cell culture, and organ bath pharmacology (PK/PD).

Conway, Arkansas

Sheriff deputy and trained first responder (defibrillator, first aid/CPR, emergency situation, etc.). Working in law enforcement allowed me to develop focus in high stress and life threatening environments. In this position I also utilized my background in education to organize and assist with outreach programs including acting as a school liaison officer, in which I gave presentations to and for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Acting as the county organizer for Neighborhood Watch, I also gave frequent presentations to the general public on behalf of the department.

Teach all subjects to 4th and 5th grade students, but specializing in math and science. This includes time as a student teacher prior to passing the PRAXIS.

Conway, Arkansas

Contract based art and electronic design using a variety of media and software programs.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Neuroscience

Research focus: alterations to metabolic and cognitive response in humans

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Physiology, General

Dissertation focus: neuroscience and behavior

Master Of Science - Ms, Biology, General

Thesis in cardiovascular biology and signaling mechanisms

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Education